Accessible Travel
Experiences for Every Body
Accessible Travel in Vermont
From Vermont’s highest peak to New England’s longest rail trail, accessible travel experiences are available in many forms throughout the Green Mountains. Adaptive recreation programs for skiing, riding, sailing, mountain biking, and more open up outdoor recreation to every body in Vermont. Caring communities and accessible downtown infrastructure offer accessible attractions like the Brattleboro Words Trail, exploring southern Vermont’s literary history, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks with stunning mountain views, and inspiring and inventive museums and galleries. Whether you’re shredding Vermont’s first mountain bike trail built with adaptive bikes in mind, sampling locally grown food, craft beer, wine, and spirits, or taking in views of the Ottauquechee River from above, Vermont’s accessible adventure starts here.
Top Attractions
Travelers with disabilities in Vermont can enjoy scenic and serene trails and boardwalks, museums and historic sites, and stunning mountain views, accessible for all.
Rail Trails in Vermont
Gently rolling, smooth gravel pathways connect Vermont communities and provide an accessible way to see beautiful views and enjoy exercise with less than a 3% grade throughout.
Read More about Rail Trails in VermontRead MoreEcho Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
This family-friendly science center exploring the ecosystem of Lake Champlain offers sensory-friendly Sundays.
Read More about Echo Leahy Center for Lake ChamplainRead MoreHistoric Sites
Many of Vermont’s state-owned historic sites, including the birthplace of Calvin Coolidge in Plymouth and the trails at Mount Independence State Historic Site, are wheelchair-accessible.
Read More about Historic SitesRead MoreAccessible Trails
From wide boardwalks to level paths with even surfaces, trails accessible by wheelchair bring mountain views to all.
Read More about Accessible TrailsRead MoreIsland Line Trail
This 14-mile accessible trail crosses Lake Champlain with water on both sides, making for a beautiful and invigorating experience.
Read More about Island Line TrailRead MoreHighland Center for the Arts
An audio tour makes this free art gallery accessible for those who have impaired vision.
Read More about Highland Center for the ArtsRead MoreBrattleboro Words Trail
This celebration of literary history has an audio component that can help those with visual impairments find a sense of place.
Read More about Brattleboro Words TrailRead MoreVermont Institute of Natural Science
At VINS, get face to face with raptor birds and see views of the Ottauquechee River from far above on an ADA-accessible boardwalk trail.
Read More about Vermont Institute of Natural ScienceRead MoreVermont State Parks
Vermont’s 55 state parks, open year-round, have accessibility accommodations.
Read More about Vermont State ParksRead MoreSummer in Vermont is for Every Body
Summer in Vermont is made for enjoying long days and warm weather outside. All ability levels are able to get out and play together on accessible trails for hiking and mountain biking with infrastructure designed to accommodate various needs.
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Itinerary
Wheelchair-Accessible Vermont Adventure
Blogger and wheelchair user Cory Lee tours Vermont for a week of accessible adventure in the fall, from sampling maple syrup and seeing wild birds up close to taking in beautiful waterfall views on accessible trails.
Winter in the Mad River Valley
Vermont is the ultimate place to explore the outdoors. Emily and Erik love visiting the Mad River Valley in the winter because everything they need is close at hand, from shopping and dining to great adaptive skiing through Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports at Sugarbush. A welcoming community and culture of accessibility region-wide makes the area more accessible, too, allowing those with different mobility needs to enjoy the same experience as their loved ones.
Summit Views Made Accessible
Scenic Drives to the Top
Vermont’s auto toll roads and mountain passes mean gorgeous scenery is visible without having to leave your car. Both Mount Equinox in southern Vermont and Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak up north, have auto toll roads, and the road to the top of Mount Philo is seasonally open through Vermont State Parks. Gap roads that wrap around dramatic mountains, like the Appalachian Gap and Smugglers Notch, turn your windshield into a personal scenic vista.
Trail Network
Adaptive Mountain Biking
Bolton’s Driving Range is the first mountain biking trail network in Vermont that was designed and built with adaptive bikes in mind. That’s not to say the trails are easy; its berms, bridges, and jumps promise excitement for all riders who take it on.
Every Body in the Family Can Get Outside
Vermont’s natural beauty is best enjoyed together. Get to know Chase and his family and see how Vermont Adaptive creates opportunities for every body to get outside and ride bikes, paddle, sail, hike, play tennis, and more.
Upcoming Events
High Fives Foundation Ski a Thon
High Fives Foundation Ski a ThonKelly Brush Ride
Kelly Brush Ride
Vermont Adaptive
Nonprofit Vermont Adaptive works to bring accessible skiing, mountain biking, and other programming to resorts and recreation areas around the state, ensuring sports and Vermont’s natural beauty are for every body.
Learn More about Vermont Adaptive